[Circulation] patron behavior

[Suzanne Karanikis]

Hello All,

Recently we had an incident where a patron objected to what another patron was
viewing on his computer screen on the Reference computers.  I wanted to make
you aware of several policies.  First, the library does not monitor what
patrons look at on these computers.  If patrons choose to view porn or other
objectionable material on the computers, we have no say in the matter.  If a
patron complains, we can suggest that the offended patron move to another
computer so they cannot see what the other is viewing.  Second, patrons who
complain to you about feeling threatened by other patrons should be referred to
public safety.  You are not required to referee squabbles between patrons.  Ask
the patron to go right down to public safety and to voice their concerns to the
public safety officer.  Lastly, please report any odd encounters with patrons to
me.  One of the patrons in today's incident has had a few encounters with
library staff, and the public safety officer wants us to document them in case
the patron crosses any boundaries and makes it necessary for public safety to
ask him not to return to our library.  We do let people from outside the
Hampshire community use our library.  However, anyone who harasses or threatens
our patrons may be asked to leave and not ever return to our campus by public
safety.

I'm sorry if this email seems a bit unnerving.  Just remember that you are never
here alone.  Public safety is downstairs for you, and they expect to be involved
in situations as described above.  Please contact me if you have questions or
concerns.

Suzanne

Suzanne Karanikis
Circulation Specialist
Harold F. Johnson Library Center
Hampshire College
893 West Street
Amherst, MA 01002